Iran on Monday congratulated Spain on its victory in the World Cup, saying that it had brought happiness to people around the world who opposed the United States and Israel, while Gazans were also seen celebrating the win in footage circulating online.

On social media, the winning side appeared to have received support from many around the world thanks to the Spanish government’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and Madrid’s criticism of the war in Iran.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, a socialist, has emerged as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza against Hamas, and is a leading advocate of Palestinian statehood.

Sánchez expressed pride after the Spanish forward Lamine Yamal was photographed in May celebrating a crucial win with a Palestinian flag. The 18-year-old FC Barcelona star, whose father is Moroccan, waved the flag while riding on an open-top bus during the club’s celebrations after winning the La Liga title on May 11.

On the other hand, Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and many of the country’s soccer fans had rallied for Argentina, whose President Javier Milei has been a vocal supporter of Israel.

“The players’ defense of the Palestinian people and the support of Spain for Iran… showed that freedom and assertiveness are characteristics of that intelligent and respectful nation,” said Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, quoted by the state news agency IRNA.

He added that the victory, “not........

© The Times of Israel